This story started with such fun intrigue and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author displayed the settings and characters. The Vampire sickness was fascinating as well. I like a certain pace to the stories I read and noticed that, while this one seemed to be fast-paced in the first half, it slowed down considerably after the middle.

If you're in the mood for a fun, slightly edgy historical romance with a pinch of danger and a drop of blood, Man of Shadow and Mist is the book for you.

Michelle Griep is an extraordinary writer! I am a huge fan of her writing and books like Man of Shadow and Mist make me like it all the more. She writes with a fervor that is so infectious it comes through her characters and gives them life. Though this is a gothic novel there is an undercurrent of hope that permeates the story. Without giving away too much of the story, This book is about a man who has given up on his fellow man and life in general until he meets a librarian. The librarian, Rosa, is kind, effervescent, and compassionate. Just the opposite of the Baron, Sir James Morgan, who is rumored to be a vampire and wants nothing to do with anyone. Rosa ia determined to stamp out ignorance and prove there are no vampires. The best way to do this is to get to know the man. I love how Michelle infuses her stories with her religious beliefs. There is a quote in the book that I love, "It is a mystery why some live life seemingly untouched by troubles while others can barely lift their heads beneath the weight o' their sorrows. Not everything can be explained- nor should it be- else we would be like God, and that was Eve's downfall, was it not? Wanting to be like Him?" I loved this book and could not put it down until I was completely finished. Then I was sad to see it end. This is definitely a book to recommend to all my friends.

I would like to thank Barbour Fiction and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of this book but it in no way influenced my review.

I really enjoyed this gothic, Beauty and Beast-like story! Rosa is the daughter of the local subscription library owner. Sir James is shrouded in mystery, sweeping in from his castle in Transylvania to care for his ailing mother.

Learning about the stigma attached to Sir James' medical condition was fascinating, and Rosa's staunch devotion to him through it all is so sweet!

This book was definitely melodramatic (as I believe the author intended!) and pulled in many little facets of history and folklore to create this gothic novel that even Catherine Moreland would have delighted in!

I received an arc of this book via #netgalley , but all enthusiastic opinions are my own!

I did not want to put this read down!
Travel back in time to England. A land of rain, fog, and mist. A time where medical knowledge was much more limited.
I loved the romance throughout the story. The highs and lows. The heartache and joys.
Griep has given us another spectacular story!

Michelle Griep delivers an atmospheric tale with "Man of Shadow and Mist", the second installment of her Of Monsters and Men series. As in "Lost in Darkness", the unique plot is a blend of fact and fiction.

As a resident of Whitby, England (charming historical nugget, that), lovely librarian Rosa Edwards attempts to educate an ignorant populace, as knowledge IS power, yet her efforts are frequently dismissed. Human nature being what it is, what one does not understand he may fear, or worse. The "worse" comes into play here. Therefore, the blame for a rash of gruesome sheep deaths is attributed to a vampire. The identity of the actual culprit came as a total surprise, which is a GOOD thing.

Michelle Griep creates well-developed characters, be they good or bad. Even in the face of much adversity, Sir James Morgan retains his strong faith. When Rosa says “I had no idea you were a man of such deep faith”, James replies “Faith in God, yes. It is His creatures who do not inspire my confidence.” Albin Mallow has an unexpected epiphany. The author Bram Stoker also appears. Her research into the disease porphyria, a disease I'd never heard of, actually enables this compelling story.

As there are roughly 80 years between the novels that inspired this book and the first, both stand alone. I love gothic romance done well, and Michelle Griep absolutely delivers. I hope she pens more installments of this absorbing series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this wonderful work.

The Beauty and the Beast vibes are strong with this one...

I know what you're thinking, but hear me out: a girl who loves books and reading (and even works in a library, and her name is Rosa), a guy who lives in a castle/dark manor house, a village with superstitious people, a mob with pitchforks, a villain who incites the mob, a horse named Belle, the teme of redemption. I might have forgotten other references.

There's the vampire connection, of course. James comes from Transylvania to care for his mom who suffers from a mysterious disease. He's been researching and trying to find a cure for a long time, without success. Fresh out of the ship, he helps Rosa from a bike fall, and their lives are entwined from then on.
Having Bram Stoker as a secondary character is genius.

The setting is utterly Gothic, which I love, and the story is bewitching—couldn't put it down!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I have read Michelle Griep’s Blackfriars Lane series, but this will be my first in her Of Monsters and Men series.

It is 1890 and the setting is England. Subscription librarian Rosa Edwards is attempting to educate the poor and remove the use of gossip and superstition. However, the mysterious Sir James Morgan has returned to his manor home, and many are calling him a vampire.

Sir James just wants to cure his mother from a deadly disease. He hadn’t intended to start a relationship with a stubborn but alluring librarian.

This is not a retelling of Bran Stoker’s Dracula. Instead, readers actually receive a brief meeting of the Irish novelist as he uses Rosa’s library for research. I found more parallels with Beauty and the Beast, the insistent suitor, the almost oblivious father, and the ignorant mob.

The writing was spectacular as I expected from Michelle Griep. Readers will feel that they are amidst the villagers, will feel the stigma of the superstitious. However, I found that those same feelings made it unbearable for me. I couldn’t stand Rosa’s parents, and their “all about appearances” attitude. I would have thought another librarian like Mr. Edwards would be better educated, more in tune with his daughter. I find that the majority of the 1800 novels have this mentality of parents being ignorant and the children are the teachers. I cannot wonder if this is truly how the time was, or if it is the author’s prerogative to enhance their own stories.

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

Had I read Bram Stoker's classic, Dracula, I'm sure I would have noticed many more parallels and references in Man of Shadow and Mist. However, I leave those kinds of gothic horror tales to others (despite the fact that Dracula is an epistolary tale, one of my favorite styles!).

Michelle Griep's Man of Shadow and Mist is not, as I feared, a retelling of Dracula. Instead, it is a gothic love story inspired by aspects of Stoker's tale--including the suspicion of vampirism.

There's an English girl and a baronet from Transylvania. But there's also a subscription library in addition to a grand but dreary manor. Man of Shadow and Mist is a story about the danger of superstitions and assumptions, and the power of love and loyalty. There's surprising redemption and an unexpected ending.

Even if you don't like vampire tales, this might be a book you'll enjoy. Man of Shadow and Mist is reminiscent of both George MacDonald and Joanna Davidson Politano.

There are many vampire origin stories that range from the shockingly sinful to the utterly ridiculous. But Michelle Griep's interpretation of Dracula story's origin through the eyes of the 'real man' who inspired Bram Stoker's tale is just brilliant. Griep's way of forming a story and including Bram Stoker is creative without being kitschy--which is no easy feat. After reading this and her other book in the "Of Monsters and Men" series, I was inspired to go back and read Dracula and Frankenstein to see how Griep's storytelling fit into the classical works written over a hundred years ago and discovered a new love for these tales.

If the opening endorsements from the many, many stellar writers in the beginning aren't enough to convince you to start this series then let this humble reader toss her opinion out there as well. Read this. Not for a casual weekend at the beach, but for a hauntingly romantic tale that will bring you in and keep you until you read through the last sentence on the last page and stick with you long after you put it down.

MAN OF SHADOW AND MIST is another exceptional novel by MICHELLE GRIEP that I guarantee you will not be able to put down. The story takes place in Whitby, England, in the late nineteenth century, with Sir James Morgan returning to the bleak Morgrave Manor where his mother lies dying of a horrific disease which may well be his fate in the future. He has never had a close relationship with his mother but is willing to try anything to save her life. James has a deep faith in God but none at all in the church members and people in general who look upon him and his family as vampires. He is satisfied to live in solitude until he meets the beautiful and compassionate librarian, Rosa Edwards, whose aim in life is to educate the people of Whitby who are so caught up in superstition.
The book has all the darkness of a Gothic novel, but we see how the Lord brings light and hope into the story, and how He comes through for Rosa, protecting her from harm. ….
I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you, but this book has everything that makes up an exciting and inspirational read - unforgettable characters, a passionate love story, a spurned suitor, wrongful accusation, violence, and very strange happenings, all enveloped in a strong Christian message.
I cannot recommend Man of Shadow and Mist strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Well - I did it. I grabbed the book because I love Michelle Griep’s book. Then I realized it might be “scary”. I had to convince myself it would not be scary and I finished the book. I am not one for gothic tales.

That being said - I loved the story. Very creative and well done. I enjoy learning new things when I read so I did learn something new. (No spoilers).

I highly recommend and now I am going to search for the first book in the series.

I just reviewed Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. #ManofShadowandMist #NetGalley

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep is an excellent historical fiction that is the second is a fabulous series: Of Monsters and Men.

I really enjoyed Lost in Darkness, so of course I wanted to read this one. Both can easily be stand alone novels fyi.

This book is a wonderful Gothic Victorian era novel set in England (Yorkshire) towards the end of the 19th century. Its literary inspiration and tie-in is Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

The way the author was able to weave in themes, quotes, concepts, and even the author himself, into the narrative of the book was pulled off quite nicely.

I enjoyed both of the main characters, Rosa and James and I really enjoyed their relationship, their moral compasses, growth, and how the story ended.

There was mystery, obstacles, love, loss, superstition, and a thread of faith and promise that was beautiful. The theological aspects and lessons were beautifully placed and really spoke to me. It was truly wonderful.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Barbour Fiction for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/1/23.

Set in North Yorkshire, England in the 1890s amidst legends and superstitions about vampires, Michelle Griep has given us a gothic romance that also includes madness and persecution. Meticulously researched, as usual, this tale brings that era to life. Men of Shadows and Mist gives us interesting characters and a great storyline filled with suspense, coupled with themes of faith woven throughout. A great read.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second novel in the Of Monsters and Men series by author Michelle Griep. This novel uses the story of Dracula by Bram Stoker as inspiration and includes many quotes from Stoker's work. I've always loved the gothic tale of Dracula and Man of Shadow and Mist doesn't disappoint. I really liked how the author counters superstition and prejudice with faith and facts. The story focuses around Sir James Morgan, who the local villagers believe is a vampire, and librarian Rosa Edwards who tries her hardest to educate the villagers and rid them of their superstition. I believe anyone who enjoys gothic tales, history, diamonds in the rough, mystery, faith, and a well told story will enjoy this read.

A richly woven gothic tale.

This is my first book by this author and I am suprised and pleased with how rich, colorful, and vibrant this book is (even though it is gothic but not as dark and gothic as an Edgar Allan Poe short story). I say it is rich, colorful, and vibrant because of how the author constructed her sentences, descriptions, and even biblical scriptures to breathe life into her characters and setting.

I love books with this kind of narration as they add more "flavor" to the story. But what I love more about this book is our male lead and the very real problem he faces; a problem, that given the setting of this book, will indeed make the ignorant believe the supernatural.

I love this book and will surely reread it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you loved “Lost in Darkness” you will love this story! I am loving this series. I read this book in a day and a quarter. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn’t want to stop reading! Sir James Morgan, is thought to be a vampire by the towns people and of course it doesn’t help that Albin Mallow is spreading this tale. Why? Because he wants/needs to marry Rosa Edwards and she won’t have him instead she is enamored with Sir James. Odd things are happening in the town like sheep being killed with gnashes to their throats and this started happening when Sir James came to town. And why does he not go out in the sun unless he is completely covered?

Like I said I really enjoyed this story. Somewhat mysterious, and gothic tale of a man thought to be a vampire, but is not. Rosa is intrigued by him and helps him with finding a cure to his condo as well as his mother. She tries to educate those who can’t afford to use her father’s library so they will not believe in such nonsense as vampires and the like. I really liked her character. Sir James is such a great guy and a hero. I love how their relationship develops. I also like that Bram Stoker makes an appearance in the story. Overall great story and definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: talk of blood, medical terms, killing and mention of a past killing of a child

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

If you’re in the mood for a good case of the shivers, grab this Gothic romance! A mix of Beauty and the Beast, Dracula, and Michelle Griep’s unusual historical research, this story cost me several nights’ sleep. Madness, superstition, persecution, even bad weather, for goodness sake! - so why couldn’t I put it down? A satisfying blend of honest emotions and Biblical faith fueled my reading toward a hoped-for happy ending. Did I reach it? Find out for yourself in this second book of the “Monsters and Men” series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a review.

Set in England, 1890, a superstitious community believes the legends about vampires. Rosa works at her father's lending library and seeks to help educate the community, believing that more knowledge will help dispel their superstitious tendencies. When Sir James returns, the animosity stirs up as the folklore about vampires involves his family.

The story isn't gruesome, James' family suffers from a blood disease that he's seeking to cure with herbs. It's an interesting opportunity to reflect on the powerful pull of public opinion, Also raises the question of how to persevere in faith when God's people have betrayed you. I enjoyed it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!

This book is part of a series that offers a different take on classic monster tales- in this case, Dracula. Sir James is suspected of being a vampire as strange events develop in Whitby. His friendship with librarian Rosa isn’t enough to overcome those suspicions or the complications of his personal life. An unpleasant rival suitor, a business rivalry, and even Bram Stoker himself make appearances, but the book can’t quite overcome its slightly overwrought tone and language. It’s trying a little too hard at being gothic to completely work, but is likely to appeal to Griep’s many fans. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.